Homily Fourth Tuesday of Advent (Lk. 1:46-56) “Does My Life Magnify the Lord?”
Homily Fourth Tuesday of Advent (Lk. 1:46-56) “Does My Life Magnify the Lord?”
One Christmas I received a pair of binoculars. When I looked through the lenses everything far away was brought up close and was made larger. I could see things that I could not see before. I could look at the stars at night and see them more clearly. I would watch the birds during the day, and I was able to pick out the different species.
“My soul magnifies the Lord,” Mary proclaims. I have always been fascinated with that line. How does one’s soul magnify the Lord? Our soul magnifies the Lord when we do something unselfish. Mary cooperates with God’s wishes. She helps God’s son come into the world.
When Jesus arrived in the world God came close. Human beings were able to see him up close and personal. Before the Incarnation event God seemed more distant to people. God was somewhere in the heavens looking down on people. Our Lord seemed unconcerned about what went on in the world. The deistic idea of God seemed to be the way God operated. Somehow it seemed like God set the world in motion and then just let things happen.
Jesus dispels that idea. God made a direct intervention in the world. Jesus came to show us what the face of God was really like. Jesus looked at those that he met with deep concern. He wept with those who wept. He celebrated with those who were happy. Jesus was involved in the world and cared what happened to everyone.
As Mary says with the rest of her words, Jesus turned the world upside down. Jesus does not side with the powerful. No Jesus lifts up the lowly. Jesus does not seek out the rich. Jesus makes his home with the poor. Whenever the tables are turned, whenever our hearts are generous. Our souls magnify the Lord.
Reflection Questions:
- Where have I met Jesus in my life? What was that like?
- How have I made the world a better place? What do I need to do that I have not done?
Dear Parishioners,
We will follow protocols for all our Christmas Masses. I would like to remind people we will open the doors to the church a half an hour before Mass. Why? The less time we sit in the church as a group the better right now. If you have a place reserved there is no reason to get to church early. You will have a spot. The congregation should not be that big and the check in process will be quick. It is better to wait outside in the open air. If someone is physically challenged, they may come in through the East door or up the wheelchair ramp. We will try to seat them first.
We still have places available at all Masses other than the 4 p.m. on the 24th. If you have not reserved spots just go to our website and do so until 5:00pm Wednesday December 23rd or call our office. The Lee Parish Center will close at noon on Wednesday. I thank all of you for your cooperation.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you.
Fr. Mark